The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) recently launched a series of building guidelines that are set to make a significant impact on the way the local construction sector operates. Attended by various industry bodies, a comprehensive manual outlining the guidelines was released at a function in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The revisions to the guidelines were made in conjunction with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Speaking at the launch, NHBRC Special Projects advisor Dr Jeffrey Mahachi said the revisions to the guidelines had been “a long time coming.”
“More than 15 years after the original guidelines were released, we embarked on a process of putting together a new manual to address current challenges in the sector,” he said. “The development of the manual involved various stakeholders across the South African construction sector and we are highly satisfied with the final document.”
Mahachi explained that the new manual would address a number of issues that had become concerns for the NHBRC and the industry as a whole.
“Our mandate is to assure quality homes,” he said. “The new guidelines address issues which include the standard of building materials, the rules governing new building technologies, training and development.”
A representative from the SABS, Dr Sadhvir Bissoon said that the manual was an important first step in establishing and implementing national standards to ensure effective quality assurance in the built industry. “One of the things that this will help us to do is get into international markets and lock out sub-standard products from the South African market,” he said.
A number of technical publications developed by the NHBRC’s Centre for Research and Housing Innovation were also launched:
- Eric Molobi housing innovation
- Housing consumer brochure
- Home builders brochure
- Energy efficiency guidelines
- Promoting innovative building technologies
- NHBRC “Here to help you” cartoon booklet
- housing typologies for disabled persons
At the launch,, NHBRC chairperson Abbey Chikane encouraged builders and housing consumers to continue to engage with the Council.
“We will continue to educate the built industry through various publications such as those launched today,” he said.
More information from Molebogeng Taunyane, Tel: +27(0)11 317 0070
Concrete Trends article
